What's New/Article Index / Home/Welcome Page
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletters and have them sent directly
to your computer!
Just send a blank email with "subscribe Prayergear.com"
in the subject line to
subscribers@prayergear.com
PRAYERGEAR.COM / SPIRITUAL RESOURCE SERVICES
NEWSLETTER
May 25, 2000 Issue 46: Misplacing the Keys to the Kingdom, Part 4
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
You are receiving this newsletter because you have subscribed
through our web site. If you were subscribed by someone else
without your permission or otherwise wish to unsubscribe, please
send a blank email with "unsubscribe prayergear.com" in
the subject line to subscribers@prayergear.com.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
<>< CONTENTS <><
1. Mini-Reflection
2. Cruising Christian Cyberspace!
3. Prayergear.com product and services updates
4. Let us know!
5. Weekly Reflection: "Misplacing the Keys to the
Kingdom", Part 4
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Greetings to all of you and a great welcome to our new
subscribers! We are grateful for the time you set aside to
reflect on our faith with us. Last week we mentioned how busy we
all are and provided a couple of suggestions. Another one is to
print this newsletter and ask your friend, spouse or child to
read it to you as you drive or work on a project. (Do the same
with scripture.) That way more people can experience and learn
about the Lord's love and ways.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. ~~ ** Mini-Reflection ** ~~
A teacher and pastor (to whom the Weekly Reflection below refers)
gave me a realization that increases my understanding of
scripture. All scripture is divinely inspired, but its printed
format is not. For example, Paul didn't write his letters to the
early churches divided into chapters and verses. As in the
Gospels, those divisions came later. "So?" you may ask.
Well, we are familiar with the trauma Peter sustained regarding
his denial of Jesus after the arrest. It began at the Passover
meal when Jesus told Peter what he would do before dawn. In three
of the Gospels, after Jesus set Peter straight on his assertion
he would be loyal to Jesus unto death, Jesus instructed the
apostles to follow Him to the garden for prayer. This gives the
impression that Jesus hit Peter hard with His prediction and said
nothing more, leaving Peter hanging in his own thoughts and
fears.
Chapters 14-17 of the Gospel of John, due to the break between
chapters 13 and 14, give the impression that this final message
and prayer of instruction and comfort by Jesus was provided at a
different time and place. But chapter 18 begins with Jesus and
His apostles leaving for the garden. It is evident that this
awesome discourse immediately followed Jesus' admonishment of
Peter. So it seems we could read it like this: "'Would you
really die for me?' Jesus asked. 'I tell you for certain that
before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don't
even know me. [However] don't be worried! Have faith in God and
have faith in Me. There are many rooms in my Father's house. I
wouldn't tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to
prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will
come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.'"
This is a comfort to me, and I hope for you as well. In effect,
Jesus is saying to us, "Your intentions may be holy and
sincere, but you will stumble, you will deny Me the center of
your heart and life at times. But don't worry, I still prepare a
place for you and we will be together." Such love and
forgiveness! Such reassurance of His continual Presence! He is
truly our Lord, our God, our Friend and Redeemer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2. ~~ ** Cruising Christian Cyberspace! ** ~~
Our web site feature of the week is
Spiritual Warfare Ministries
(http://www.sw-mins.org/index.html)
This month's theme of "Misplacing the Keys of the
Kingdom" necessitated including spiritual warfare references
and considerations. Not surprisingly, it also generated the
greatest volume of emails we received since January. So this web
site is a useful adjunct. We value this resource because of its
good balance and avoidance of going too heavy into the warfare
side and ignoring the Biblical promises and encouragements. For
instance, this site has links to many excellent Christian web
sites, a well formatted FAQ (frequently asked questions) page,
Biblically valid teachings on many subjects, (not just spiritual
warfare,) a prayer network you can join, and more. It's worth
your review.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3. ~~ ** Prayergear.com Product and Service Updates ** ~~
Several of you asked about literary aids concerning prayer and
spiritual warfare and we received a few orders for the popular
book by Anderson, "Victory Over the Darkness; Realizing the
Power of Your Identity in Christ." This makes us think that
many more are looking for good prayer teaching guides (and we
carry among the best), so this week we draw your attention to our
titles in our Power of Prayer and Best Sellers sections of our
online store. Please take a look at the many other faith building
products available. Your purchases support our ministries.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
4. ~~ ** Let us know! ** ~~
Last week you read a stirring email from a subscriber about her
battle and victories in the spiritual realm. We were delighted to
receive a follow-up email from her in which she says,
"Please pray on this. I have been called for GOD's purpose
and not my own. Satan has been on my back and I would love for
other believers to send me encouragements. For we do not battle
against things in the flesh, but things and principalities of a
spiritual nature."
Several others requested prayers, for many "seek first the
kingdom" and strive for obedience to the Lord in the face of
adversity. Your email addresses and identities are secure with us
and will not be shared. However, you can still send others
letters of encouragement and insight! Email them to
letusknow@prayergear.com (with "Let Us Know" in your
subject line) and we'll post them here (anonymously) for the
encouragement of all of us. Indeed, Scripture instructs us to
"encourage one another!"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
5. ~~ This week's Weekly Reflection follows below ~~
Thank you again for allowing me into your prayers and thoughts.
Please forward this newsletter (in its entirety) to whomever you
believe would be interested and help this particular ministry
grow. "I pray that the Lord Jesus will be kind to you. I
love everyone who belongs to Christ Jesus." (1 Corinthians
16:23-24)
John
John S. Hilkevich, Ph.D.
Spiritual Resource Services: Prayergear.com
~ Education, Services and Products
in the Christian Faith ~
www.prayergear.com
-----------------------------------------------------
For a more attractively formatted Weekly Reflection or links to
previous Reflections, point your browser to
http://www.prayergear.com/weeklyintro.html
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WEEKLY REFLECTIONS
Misplacing the Keys to the Kingdom
Part 4 of 4
What's New/Article Index / Home/Welcome Page
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletters and have them sent directly
to your computer!
Just send a blank email with "subscribe Prayergear.com"
in the subject line to
subscribers@prayergear.com